Kotpad is the name of a village in Koraput district in southern Odisha in India.
It lends its name to 'Kotpad Handloom'.
Kotpad Handloom Fabrics are vegetable-dyed fabrics woven by the tribal weavers of Kotpad.
Kotpad is Odisha's first Geographical Indication (GI).
It lends its name to 'Kotpad Handloom'.
Kotpad Handloom Fabrics are vegetable-dyed fabrics woven by the tribal weavers of Kotpad.
Kotpad is Odisha's first Geographical Indication (GI).
Many generations of talented tribal weavers (Mirgana caste) of Kotpad village have been weaving these natural handloom fabrics from centuries.
Cotton sarees with solid border, Dupattas with motifs, handloom stoles and dress materials are dyed using the natural vegetable dyes that are manufactured in Kotpad using age-old practices.
Cotton sarees with solid border, Dupattas with motifs, handloom stoles and dress materials are dyed using the natural vegetable dyes that are manufactured in Kotpad using age-old practices.
Dyes are made with the help of the Aul trees that are grown in the area. The bark of the ‘Aul’ tree is used to prepare the natural dyes. The bark is collected seasonally and stored. It is dried and powdered. The powder is mixed with other oils and natural items for the dye. Many looms in the Kotpad cluster are engaged in the production of “Vegetable dyed Kotpad Handloom Fabrics”.
The motifs are universal (crab, fish, conch etc.) & regional (boat, axes, fan, temple, bow etc.) which reflects cross-cultural-linkages of the area. The motifs are manually developed by extra wefts.
Kotpad has been mostly used a bridal fabric in the tribal communities.
Usually, the yarn is cotton and tussar. The products are sarees, shawls, dupattas, stoles, dress-materials, cushion-covers etc. Maroon and black colors are mostly used.
Usually, the yarn is cotton and tussar. The products are sarees, shawls, dupattas, stoles, dress-materials, cushion-covers etc. Maroon and black colors are mostly used.
5 Ts of Kotpad:
1. Tree (Aul Tree)
2. Traditional Method of Dying
3. Triumph (Motif)
4. Tedious Work
5. Time Consuming
1. Tree (Aul Tree)
2. Traditional Method of Dying
3. Triumph (Motif)
4. Tedious Work
5. Time Consuming
The entire Kotpad handloom process is a labour of love. These natural, sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics and sarees are a class apart.
I am writing A-Z posts about the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha #OdishaGI.
GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating from a particular region or locality that has specific qualities, reputation or other unique characteristics. GI products are linked with the culture, traditions, history etc. of a geographical location.
Only when info is shared, people can learn and be aware.
This is my sincere attempt to share information about the GI-Tags of Odisha.
You can check out my other GI posts here.
My previous #AToZChallenge posts here.
Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.
Are you aware of Geographical Indications?
Had you heard of Kotpad Handloom?
Please do share in the comments below.
Wow, the saree looks graceful!! Amazed to know the T facts. Lovely post Anita.
ReplyDeleteThe saree looks gorgeous. We have so many hidden beauties in our state and you are doing such a great job of showcasing them
ReplyDeleteEverything I've just read is new to me and really interesting. It really is eco-friendly.
ReplyDeleteSo we can say that Kotapad is a fully organic sari. No artificial colours used. This is something unique about this handloom.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this print on Tushar fabric but I didn't know it's name... I had heard of vegetable dye though... This is really insightful!! I am glad now I know the name and origin of the print Kotapad!!
ReplyDeleteI have seen these prints but wasnt aware about the origin and the details of Kotpad fabrics. Your posts are informative and insightful, Anita. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis something new I have read , vegetable dye use for fabric. so informative and detailed post, we usually buy clothes but history of it ,we never knew.
ReplyDeleteNice!!! These handloom fabrics looks good, liked the print....
ReplyDelete